Combined Headband and Shower Cap Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a headwear device, including a headband, a cushion shower cap and an optional hair clip. The headband portion is worn around the head and includes a hook and loop fastener closure for adjusting a size of the headband. The shower cap has an elastic band that is positioned on and around the headband and can be further secured to the headband using the hair clip. The headband portion is made of silicone and the shower cap has cushion foam. The headband and the shower cap are worn together for offering a simple and convenient method of protecting the hair while bathing or showering, providing users with a way to maintain their desired hairstyle without the risk of damage due to water.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/320,344, which was filed on Mar. 16, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of headbands and shower caps. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel headwear device designed to protect hair from moisture and water during bathing or showering. The device has a combination headband and a shower cap which when worn together, offer a simple and convenient method of protecting the hair, providing users with a way to maintain their desired hairstyle without the risk of damage or disturbance due to water. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, individuals commonly use hair styling tools such as heat styling tools, curling irons, and more for different reasons, including creating a wide variety of hairstyles, from sleek and straight to curly and voluminous. Heat styling tools are specially used for smoothing out frizzy or unruly hair, making it look shinier and healthier. Use of such hair styling tools on a daily basis is common for many individuals. However, a common requirement after getting a haircut and a style is to protect the hair from getting wet. Hair styled with heat tools can become frizzy when it gets wet because the moisture in the air can cause the hair cuticle to lift making the hair look frizzy and unruly. Further, if curled hair gets wet, then, curls lose their definition making hair look limp and lifeless.

Generally, for preventing hair from getting wet after hair styling, individuals use makeshift plastic barriers which oftentimes fail to keep their hair from getting wet. Individuals typically use conventional shower caps, umbrellas, or hats while going outdoors, and some may use water-resistant products such as hairsprays or gels. However, such products are ineffective and make it incredibly difficult for individuals trying to bathe and keep their hair dry. Individuals end up with wet hair, which then requires a follow-up styling procedure that is not only time-consuming, but also expensive. Individuals desire an improved device for protecting hairstyles from moisture while bathing or showering.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved headwear device used for protecting hairstyles from moisture while bathing or showering. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a headwear device than can replace conventional shower caps and water-resistant products used during bathing or showering. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a headwear device that secures comfortably around the head for prohibiting hair from getting wet. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a headwear device that offers a way to maintain a desired hairstyle while still being able to properly bathe. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that maintains protection of hair from moisture and prevents hair from getting frizzy and/or limp. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a simple and convenient method of protecting the hair while bathing and showering.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a combined waterproof headband and shower cap device configured to be worn on the head of a user for preventing hair from getting wet due to moisture or water. The device features a coordinated or combined headband and shower cap, the headband portion comprising a silicone material with a cushion and a hook and loop fastener closure and has cut-outs to conform around the ears of a user, and the shower cap portion comprising a silicone material with a cushion, a peripheral elastic band, and selectively an adjustable hair clip, the headband portion is secured around the head of the user using the hook and loop fastener closure, the shower cap covers the complete hair of the user and the peripheral elastic band is positioned on the headband and can be further secured by the adjustable hair clip to secure to the headband. The device protects a person's hairstyle from getting wet during bathing or showering.

In this manner, the waterproof headwear device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a silicone headband and shower cap that work in conjunction with one another to protect a hairstyle from moisture while bathing or showering. The device can be worn easily by a user protecting thermal hairstyles from getting wet, thereby offering a way to maintain a desired hairstyle without using conventional shower caps and other protecting water-resistant products. The device helps users in saving their money and time by obviating unnecessary hair styling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a combined waterproof headband and shower cap device. The device is configured to be worn on the head of a user during showering or bathing for preventing hair from getting wet. More specifically, the headband and shower cap work in conjunction to protect a hairstyle from moisture while bathing or showering. The device includes a headband and a shower cap, the headband comprising a silicone material with a cushion and a hook and loop fastener closure, and the shower cap comprising a silicone material with a cushion, a peripheral elastic band, and an adjustable hair clip, the headband portion is secured around the head of the user using the hook and loop fastener closure, the shower cap covers the complete hair area of the user and the peripheral elastic band is positioned on the headband and can be selectively secured by the adjustable hair clip to secure to the headband.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a waterproof headwear device comprising a headband and shower cap combination for offering a simple and convenient method of protecting the hair while bathing and showering. The headband portion is made of soft silicone material with a cushion and a hook and loop fastener closure, and the shower cap comprising a silicone material with a cushion, an elastic band, and an optional adjustable hair clip, the headband and shower cap combination designed to work together to protect a hairstyle from moisture during bathing or showering, the cushion on both the headband and shower cap providing additional comfort and the hook and loop fastener closure securely fits the headband and the optional hair clip can be used to further secure the shower cap on the user's head by clipping the cap to the headband.

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a hairstyle from water or moisture during bathing or showering is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of wearing a waterproof headband around the head, the headband portion is of a silicone material with a cushion for support on the forehead and a hook and loop fastener closure for adjusting the size of the headband, wearing a shower cap comprising a silicone material with a cushion, an elastic band, and an optional hair clip between the cap and the waterproof headband, the elastic band disposed around the periphery of the shower cap portion when positioned on the headband, optionally securing the shower cap by clipping the shower cap to the headband using the adjustable hair clip, taking a shower or a bath, and removing the shower cap and the headband after taking the shower or the bath.

In yet another embodiment, the combined headband and shower cap device of the present invention is easily and efficiently manufactured, marketed, and available to consumers in a cost-effective manner and is easily used by users for protecting thermal hairstyles from getting wet, offering a way to maintain and preserve a desired hairstyle while still being able to properly bathe or shower.

The device of the present invention has a comfortable design, is easy-to-use and can be worn and removed without any additional help.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a waterproof headwear device of the present invention in an assembled form in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a user wearing the waterproof headwear device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3A illustrates a first step of wearing the headwear device according to different embodiments, wherein a user wears the headband of the device;

FIG. 3B illustrates a second step of wearing the headwear device according to different embodiments, wherein the user wears the shower cap and secures same to the headband using the hair clips;

FIG. 3C illustrates the user taking a shower while wearing the protective headwear device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process of using the combined headband and shower cap device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved headwear device used for protecting hairstyles from moisture while bathing or showering. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a headwear device than can replace conventional shower caps and water-resistant products used during bathing or showering. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a headwear device that secures comfortably around the head while prohibiting hair from getting wet. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a headwear device that offers a way to maintain a desired hairstyle while still being able to properly bathe. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that maintains protection of hair from moisture and prevents hair from getting frizzy and/or limp. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a simple and convenient method of protecting the hair while bathing and showering.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a waterproof headwear device comprising a headband and shower cap combination for offering a simple and convenient method of protecting the hair while bathing and showering. The headband portion is made of soft silicone material and has a cushion and a hook and loop fastener closure, and the shower cap comprising a silicone material with a cushion, an elastic band, and selectively an adjustable hair clip, the headband and shower cap combination designed to work together to protect a hairstyle from moisture during bathing or showering, the cushion on both the headband portion and the shower cap portion providing additional comfort and the hook and loop fastener closure securely fits the headband and the optional hair clip to further ensure a secure fit of the shower cap on the user's head by clipping the cap to the headband.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of waterproof headwear device of the present invention in an assembled form in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The waterproof headwear device 100 of the present invention is designed as a unique headwear device used for wearing on the head by a user to protect hairstyles that were formed thermally with a curling iron, flat iron, etc. More specifically, the headwear device 100 includes a silicone headband portion 102 configured to be worn around on the head of a user and has a cushion 104 embedded in the front portion 106 thereof. The headband portion 102 has opposite free ends 108, 110 having a hook fastener 112 and a loop fastener 114 respectively as explicitly shown in FIG. 3A, allowing a user to adjust the headband portion 102 as per the head size. Therefore, the headband portion 102 can fit to different head sizes and hair styles and thus can be worn by different individuals. The fasteners 112, 114 are made of heavy-duty material and have water-resistant adhesive for superior holding in water.

For comfort of the wearing user, the silicone headband portion 102 has a pair of ear loop cut-outs 116 for accommodating both ears of the user wearing the headband portion 102. The bottom lining 118 of the headband portion 102 has a rubber lining 120 throughout the length of the headband portion 102, wherein the rubber lining 120 adheres to the skin, thereby creating a seal for preventing hair from getting wet. The rubber lining 120 extends around a lower terminal edge of the headband portion 102. A shower cap portion 122 is included in the headwear device 100 and is configured to be worn together with the headband portion 102. The shower cap portion 122 is worn over the head to cover the hair of a user. The shower cap portion 122 has an elastic band 124 along the peripheral lining to help keep the shower cap portion 122 secure and in place when worn by the user. The elastic band 124 is positioned on and around the headband portion 102 such that foam cushion 126 covering of the cap 122 covers all the hair of the user wearing the cap 122.

For making an effective assembly of the headband portion 102 and the shower cap portion 122, one or more hair clips 128 can be selectively used which are preferably positioned and used on the rear portion 130 of the headband portion 102 (refer to FIG. 3B). The hair clips 128 can be used for securing the shower cap portion 122 in place while in use by a user. The elastic band 124 ensures a snug fit, while the optional hair clips 128 provide further securement to keep the cap 122 securely in place, ensuring that the cap 122 does not slip off while a user wearing the headwear device 100 is bathing or showering.

The headband portion 102 has a length in the range of 20 inches to 26 inches in an open or unfolded configuration and has a width from about 3 inches to about 6 inches, in different embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated that by wearing the headband portion 102 and shower cap portion 122 together, a user can protect a hairstyle from moisture while bathing or showering. The headband portion 102 helps to prevent water and moisture from getting in through the forehead area, while the shower cap portion 122 helps to keep the hair dry and protected. This allows users to maintain their desired hairstyle for longer periods of time (i.e., extended periods of time).

The headband portion 102 and/or the shower cap portion 122 can have a personalized logo which by way of example can be in the form of insignia, badge, emblem, decoration, alphanumeric symbol, or artistic rendition that adheres, either permanently or removably.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a user wearing the waterproof headwear device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the headband portion 102 is worn around the head 202 of a user 200 with the cushion 104 positioned on the forehead 204 of the user 200. The hook and loop fasteners 112, 114 are positioned on the rear side 206 of the head of the user 200 and can be used for adjustment of the headband portion 102. The shower cap portion 122 covers the hair 208 of the user 200 and the bottom elastic band 124 is positioned on and around the headband portion 102 while optionally being additionally secured using the hair clip(s) 128 (FIG. 3B).

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a side view of a method of wearing and using the headwear device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In FIG. 3A, the user 200 pulls around the free ends 108, 110 of the headband portion 102 and wraps around the headband portion 102 by adjusting using the hook and loop fastener 112, 114. The cushion 104 should be positioned on the forehead for comfort and maintaining water sealing properties. The ears 210 remain open and thus the headband portion 102 does not obstruct or interfere with the ears 210. The headband portion 102 partially touches some of the hair of the user (i.e., surrounds the lower hairline) and helps in preventing the hair from getting wet.

In FIG. 3B, the user 200 covers the hair 208 with the shower cap portion 122 and positions the elastic band 124 around the headband portion 102 and then, selectively secures the clips 128 to secure the shower cap portion 122 to the headband portion 102. In FIG. 3C, the user 200 is taking a shower 302 while wearing the waterproof head covering device 100 in the assembled form as described in other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram depicting a process of using the combined headband and shower cap device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Initially, the headband portion is placed on the head by a user and adjusted for a snug fit (Step 402). The headband portion is positioned such that cushion 104 on the headband portion 102 rests against forehead for maximum comfort and surrounds the lower hairline. Then, the user puts on the shower cap portion 122 covering completely the upper or remaining exposed hair of the user with the elastic band forming a snug fit (Step 404). The elastic band 124 is positioned on and around the headband portion 102. Thereafter, the shower cap portion 122 can be optionally secured in place using the adjustable hair clips, thereby preventing the cap to fall off while in use (Step 406). Then, the user takes a bath or a shower wearing the device 100 without worry of hair getting wet (Step 408). Finally, after the shower or the bath, the device 100 is removed with both the cap and the headband being reusable and washable (Step 410).

In the preferred embodiment, the device 100 is available as a bundle package with silicone shower cap featuring a cushion, the headband, and the adjustable hair clip. Alternatively, the device 100 can be commercially available as a single one-piece structure with the shower cap and the headband integrally attached to each other.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “waterproof headwear device”, “headwear device”, “combined headband and shower cap device”, “waterproof head covering device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the waterproof and protective headwear device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the waterproof and protective headwear device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the waterproof and protective headwear device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the waterproof and protective headwear device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the waterproof and protective headwear device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the waterproof and protective headwear device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A waterproof headwear device comprising: a waterproof headwear having a headband portion and a shower cap portion for wearing around the head of a user; wherein said headband portion having a cushion embedded frontal area and opposite free ends; wherein said opposite free ends having a hook fastener and a loop fastener for adjustably securing said headband portion to the head of the user; wherein said headband portion having opposing ear loop cut-outs; wherein said headband portion having a rubber lining extending around a bottom terminal edge for sealing around the head of the user; wherein said shower cap portion having an elastic band around a lower peripheral edge; and further wherein said elastic band secured around an upper edge of said headband portion for sealing said shower cap portion over said headband portion and for covering the hair of the user.
 2. The waterproof headwear device of claim 1, wherein said shower cap portion having a foam cushion liner.
 3. The waterproof headwear device of claim 2 further comprising a hair clip fastening a rear portion of said headband portion to a rear portion of said shower cap portion.
 4. The waterproof headwear device of claim 3, wherein said headband portion having a length from 20 inches to 26 inches.
 5. The waterproof headwear device of claim 4, wherein said headband portion having a width from 3 inches to 6 inches.
 6. The waterproof headwear device of claim 5, wherein said waterproof headwear is washable.
 7. A waterproof headwear device comprising: a waterproof headwear having a headband portion and a shower cap portion for wearing around the head of a user; wherein said headband portion having a cushion embedded frontal area and opposite free ends; wherein said opposite free ends having a hook fastener and a loop fastener for adjustably securing said headband portion to the head of the user; wherein said headband portion having opposing ear loop cut-outs; wherein said headband portion having a rubber lining extending around a bottom terminal edge for sealing around the head of the user; wherein said shower cap portion having an elastic band around a lower peripheral edge; wherein said elastic band secured around an upper edge of said headband portion for sealing said shower cap portion over said headband portion and for covering the hair of the user; and a hair clip fastening rear portion of said headband portion to a rear portion of said shower cap portion.
 8. The waterproof headwear device of claim 7, wherein said shower cap portion having a foam cushion liner.
 9. The waterproof headwear device of claim 8, wherein said headband portion having a length from 20 inches to 26 inches.
 10. The waterproof headwear device of claim 9, wherein said headband portion having a width from 3 inches to 6 inches.
 11. The waterproof headwear device of claim, 10 wherein said waterproof headwear is washable.
 12. A method of protecting the hair of a user from water comprising the steps of: providing a waterproof headwear having a headband portion and a shower cap portion for wearing around the head of a user; wherein said headband portion having a cushion embedded frontal area and free ends proximal to a rear area; wherein said free ends having a hook fastener and a loop fastener; wrapping said headband portion around the head of the user; connecting said hook fastener to said loop fastener; securing said headband portion to the head of the user; wherein said headband portion having opposing ear loop cut-outs extending around the ears of the user; wherein said headband portion having a rubber lining extending around a bottom terminal edge for sealing around the head of the user; wherein said shower cap portion having an elastic band around a lower peripheral edge; securing said elastic band around an upper edge of said headband portion; sealing said shower cap portion over said headband portion; and covering the hair of the user with said headband portion and said shower cap portion.
 13. The method of protecting the hair of the user of claim 12 further comprising the step of: anchoring a clip to said headband portion and attaching said clip to said shower cap portion.
 14. The method of protecting the hair of the user of claim 13 further comprising the steps of: showering with said waterproof headwear; and protecting the hair of the user from contact with water.
 15. The method of protecting the hair of the user of claim 14, wherein said shower cap portion having a foam cushion liner.
 16. The method of protecting the hair of the user of claim 15, wherein said clip fastening a rear portion of said headband portion to a rear portion of said shower cap portion.
 17. The method of protecting the hair of the user of claim 16, wherein said headband portion having a length from 20 inches to 26 inches.
 18. The method of protecting the hair of the user of claim 17, wherein said headband portion having a width from 3 inches to 6 inches.
 19. The method of protecting the hair of the user of claim 18, wherein said waterproof headwear is washable.
 20. The method of protecting the hair of the user of claim 19, wherein said waterproof headwear is reusable. 